PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which laboratory measurement is used to evaluate anemia?

1. Red blood cell count

2. Hematocrit

3. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

4. Hemoglobin concentration

The correct answer is: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

The evaluation of anemia can be effectively conducted through various laboratory measurements, but the most direct and widely recognized test is hemoglobin concentration. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, and its concentration provides a clear indication of the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Anemia is ultimately characterized by inadequate hemoglobin levels, which reflects the ability of the blood to transport oxygen efficiently. While red blood cell count, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) also provide relevant information regarding anemia, they don't singularly reflect the primary issue of hemoglobin levels. For instance, a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, but it does not provide information on the size of the cells or their functional capacity. Hematocrit, which measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, could be influenced by factors such as hydration status. Mean corpuscular volume assesses the average size of red blood cells and can help categorize anemia but is not a direct measure of the condition itself. Therefore, measuring hemoglobin concentration is essential for an accurate diagnosis of anemia, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.